Healthcare Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Veterinarian Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median veterinarian salary in Lafayette, LA is $90,869 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$90,869
vs State Avg
$-3,098
vs National
$-12,391
Cost of Living
88%

Veterinarian Pay in Lafayette: What to Expect (2026)

Lafayette offers a median veterinarian salary of $90,869, which is $3,098 below the Louisiana state average of $93,967. Compared to the national median of $103,260, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lafayette's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $90,869 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $103,260 in an average-cost city. This makes Lafayette an attractive option for veterinarians seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for veterinarians in Lafayette spans from $57,376 at the 10th percentile to $153,296 at the 90th percentile — a $95,920 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,840, while senior veterinarians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $136,400. With a population of 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Veterinarian Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, an entry-level veterinarian earns around $59,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $136,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,840
$-8,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$92,400
$-12,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$136,400
$-18,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
10th Percentile $57,376
25th Percentile $70,752
Median (50th) $90,869
75th Percentile $118,272
90th Percentile $153,296

Veterinarian Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$101,195
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$94,999
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$88,804
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$87,771
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Veterinarian in Lafayette

Education

Most veterinarian positions require a doctoral degree. Lafayette and the surrounding Louisiana area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

DiagnosisSurgeryPharmacologyAnimal HandlingClient CommunicationRadiology

Job Outlook

Nationally, veterinarian employment is projected to grow 19% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Lafayette may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Veterinarian Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open veterinarian positions in Lafayette, LA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinarian Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Veterinarian make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median veterinarian salary in Lafayette, Louisiana is $90,869 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $103,260. Salaries range from $57,376 (10th percentile) to $153,296 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinarian make per hour in Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $90,869, a veterinarian in Lafayette earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for veterinarian pay? ▼
Lafayette's median veterinarian salary of $90,869 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $93,967. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a veterinarian salary of $90,869 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a veterinarian in Lafayette? ▼
Most veterinarian positions in Lafayette require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Diagnosis, Surgery, Pharmacology, Animal Handling. The job market is projected to grow 19% nationally over the next decade.